University’s hospital bid is ‘revolutionary’ (From The Oxford Times)
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University’s hospital bid is ‘revolutionary’
12:00pm Saturday 21st July 2012 in Oxford
By Damian Fantato, covering Summertown, Jericho and North Oxford. Call me on 01865 425429
Oxford University has confirmed its proposals for Headington’s Park Hospital site.
The seven-acre site will be home to four new laboratories and a multi-storey car park and will be developed over the next eight years into a “revolutionary” science facility.
Details were released at public consultation sessions this week showing buildings up to three storeys high – but the university has said it will put the tallest buildings away from the site boundary.
A four-storey car park is included with a restaurant, shop and possibly a gym available to Headington residents.
The 126-year-old Park Hospital building will initially be leased back to Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, which owns the land, but will eventually be knocked down.
Nearly 3,000 people will be employed on-site and residents have expressed concern about this influx of workers.
Local city councillor Ruth Wilkinson, pictured inset, said: “The University’s plans would bring work and prestige to Headington.
“People worry most about traffic congestion and parking, and this will need a big developer contribution.”
But John Cracknell, a transport consultant employed by the university, is looking into ways to solve this problem.
He said: “We are aware transport is a serious issue.
“The park-and-ride provides us with a way of getting people here for the short to medium term.”
He added that the university was looking into a number of possible long-term solutions including a dedicated bus between Thornhill and the Old Road campus.
Oxford University has said it will make a financial contribution to ease the problem Last year the university was given permission to build a £57m development on the neighbouring Old Road campus which is under construction and includes the Nuffield Department of Medicine and the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology.
Councillors called the plan into appeal because of parking concerns in the area.
Oxford University had to contribute to a residents’ parking zone in East Oxford and the institution has offered money to help the city deal with its planned expansion.
Professor Rodney Phillips of the Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine said: “This university has a long history of contributions to medical science. The Park Hospital is a revolutionary acquisition.”
The university hopes to submit a planning application next month.
Comments(5)
Patrick in Devon
says...
3:27pm Sat 21 Jul 12
My last extended visit to Oxford was on the way back from a trip to Europe. The contrast between modern European public transport and the archaic, chaotic, expensive inefficient bus system in Oxford was stark.
For an area like Oxford, where economic growth is benefiting the whole country, a radical new approach is urgently needed, and the idea of a light metro, partly underground, is not far-fetched.
Andrew:Oxford
says...
6:59pm Sat 21 Jul 12
Patrick in Devon wrote:When were you last in Oxford?
The creation or loss of 30 jobs is headline news in Devon. Alot more seem to be getting lost than created.
My last extended visit to Oxford was on the way back from a trip to Europe. The contrast between modern European public transport and the archaic, chaotic, expensive inefficient bus system in Oxford was stark.
For an area like Oxford, where economic growth is benefiting the whole country, a radical new approach is urgently needed, and the idea of a light metro, partly underground, is not far-fetched.
Compared to most places in England (outside London) the bus service is actually quite good. I "load up" my card with 5 single-day passes for about £16(?) then can use any bus whether it be Stagecoach, Oxford Bus or Thames Travel as often as I like in any one day. The buses are generally no more than 2-3 years old too.
There are downsides of course. Loading times can be slow with the tourist traffic and the dim-witted domestic passenger, and Oxford traffic is busy especially during term-time.
EricTheRed
says...
7:11pm Sat 21 Jul 12
Patrick in Devon
says...
10:00am Sun 22 Jul 12
I understand its improved recently - at least a ticket is no valid for any bus and its a joint timetable and route map.
Eric:
Build underground sections, from the railway station to near the science area, then up to the JR Hospital and beyond. Similar schemes are being built in Europe - using tram trains or automated vehicles.
Drop HS2 and spend the money on local transport instead.
Andrew:Oxford says...
12:48pm Sat 21 Jul 12
So many issues related to the increasing number of jobs and workplaces in the city would be near enough completely overcome.
It's quite funny really. The good people of other towns and cities fear the loss of say 100 jobs. By contrast the fearful of Oxford are terrified at the prospect of 3000 jobs being brought to the city.